by Lisa Luff

Created on: May 14, 2008

2008 has proved to be a year of class, glitter and accessories, with more costume jewelery available than ever before. It has become a must have accessory in all of our style wardrobes.
I began my collection many many years ago, styling the longest costume earrings you've ever seen! You could say, that I am an expert in the field of eccentric, bedazzling costume jewelery.

For anyone interested in investing in some truly beautiful pieces I suggest hunt around! In Melbourne alone there is a wealth of boutiques and rare treasure coves waiting to be discovered. More well known are a favorite of mine 'Diva' which boast a vast array of eccentric and funky costume pieces at very reasonable prices. You can spend literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars on magnificent pieces but you dint have to!

Look out for vintage stores, even op shops. You will be surprised what treasures lie beneath. I picked up a vintage set not long ago for only $10.00 in an op shop and its the sort of necklace and earring set you hide from your friends and only bring out for special occasions. Elizabeth Tailor herself would be humbled by the pieces I've found.

I've been to events where you swap your jewelery, bring along a not so favorite piece or two and swap it with someone who's jewels you admire. These events are often fully sponsored and a ton of fun! I had my hair and makeup done free, lunch was provided and I left with more jewelery than i came with. I think i got carried away because about an hour in i was buying jewelery off other patrons. You always leave feeling fulfilled and the best part is getting home to mix and match your latest acquisitions.

You can just start collecting! Don't worry about what goes with what. You see a pair of truly amazing earrings...buy them! Later on you'll find that perfect necklace. Eventually you'll be able to mix and match, it makes for a unique look too. Think of your costume collection as an extension of your wardrobe. If you don't already know what your style is or how to wear your cloths with your jewels, fake it! There's nothing cooler than a miss match. If it doesn't work then it probably does. Don't be afraid to experiment!

There's also outlets such as ebay to browse. Make sure you read the fine print! There's nothing worse than purchasing a bracelet and receiving an anklet. This has happened to me in my haste. Search in google for jewelery boutiques? What can it hurt? You'll be surprised at just how beautiful small boutique jewelery is! Especially the beaded stuff. With the Internet at our fingertips these days, there are no tangible excuses not to buy costume jewelery.

Overall, know what it is your looking for and know it when you see it!

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